In one of the recent episodes of the HBO series “The Penguin,” actress Cristin Milioti’s character, Sofia Gigante, has a disturbing breakdown while visiting her cousin’s orphaned daughter, Gia, at Brookside Children’s Home. Sofia, who was responsible for the murder of Gia’s parents and the rest of their family, tries to manipulate the young girl into believing that the tragic event was just a terrible accident. This scene is particularly eerie because it mirrors Sofia’s own experiences with her father, Carmine Falcone, who used similar gaslighting tactics on her when she questioned her mother’s death.
Milioti explained in an interview that Sofia’s actions towards Gia reflect her transformation into a character similar to her father, despite her initial intentions to rebel against her family’s ways. She pointed out that Sofia likely didn’t realize she was creating a mini version of herself in Gia and genuinely believed she was doing what was best for the child. The emotional scene where Sofia tells Gia that her family members were “bad people” and that their deaths were a gift showcases the complex and heartbreaking nature of Sofia’s character development.
The actress also expressed her admiration for the scene where Sofia candidly delivers these harsh truths to Gia, highlighting the internal struggle Sofia faces as she becomes more like the person she despises the most. This moment encapsulates the depth of Sofia’s character and the internal conflict she grapples with as she navigates her complicated family history and personal demons.
Overall, Milioti’s portrayal of Sofia’s disturbing breakdown in “The Penguin” sheds light on the character’s complex journey and inner turmoil, adding layers of depth and emotion to the storyline. The scene serves as a poignant reminder of the impact of trauma and the ways in which it can shape a person’s identity and actions, even in the most unexpected ways.
